Guide to Picardy and its main tourist attractions. About-France.com Gites in Picardy Since 2016, Picardy has been combined with the larger region to the north, Nord– Pas-de-Calais , to make up a larger region which has curiously been given the name Hauts de France, though it is probably the most low-lying of all the regions in France. Picardy - or Picardie as it is written in French - consists of three departments, the Oise (60), capital Beauvais; the Aisne (02) capital Laon, and the Somme (60), whose capital Amiens, is also the regional capital. In historic terms, the southern part of this modern region, including virtually all of the Oise department, was not part of the Province of Picardy, but was added to the region when it was created in the twentieth century. Lying in the historic centre of action of western Europe, in the triangle between Paris, Amsterdam and London, Picardy is an area with a very rich history.

It was in this part of France that were fought some of the most famous battles of French and European history, notably the battle of Crécy, and the battle of the Somme. And in the course of the last thousand years, areas that are now part of modern region of Picardy have been ruled over at different times by the English, the Habsburgs, the Spanish and the French. Laon cathedral (12th century) , and city ramparts In past centuries, the region was relatively prosperous; its productive farmlands, including a large expanse of flat or relatively flat land, created wealth in local towns and cities, a wealth now reflected in the many fine gothic churches and cathedrals of the region. In modern economic terms, Picardy is a region that is divided quite distinctly into two areas. The department of the Oise and the southern tip of the Aisne, in the south of the region, are economically attached to the Paris region; towns like Beauvais, Chantilly and Compiègne, though towns in their own right, form part of the outer circle of suburban Paris, with many people commuting from here into Paris.

Even Amiens, the regional capital, is sufficiently close by commuter train to be home to many people working in Paris; though in the case of Amiens, which is an industrial and commercial city, people commute both ways. As for the northern part of the region, including the departments of the Somme and most of the Aisne, these areas are largely agricultural. Agriculture in the region is particularly centered on cereals and crops. And while cereal production is the the principal agricultural activity of the region, Picardy is also the leading French region for the production of sugar beet (37% of total national production), France being the world's largest producer of sugar beet. Reaching Picardy : By train from Paris Gare du Nord , or from Lille, Calais or Boulogne By car from the UK: the easiest way is to cross to Calais, then drive down either of the motorways in the direction of Paris or Reims. Whether taking the A16, the A26 or the A1 motorway, drivers driving south from Calais will find themselves in Picardy within an hour. By plane: Beauvais has an airport with direct low-cost flights from the UK.

Otherwise, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport is just a few kilometres from the southern limits of the Picardy region. Main tourist attractions and sites in Picardy Somme area Albert, Thiepval (80): Sites and monuments to the victims of the Great War, notably the Battle of the Somme. (see WW1 sites and map ). There are many more First World War sites and monuments in Picardy Amiens (80): One of the finest of the main mediaeval gothic cathedrals of France. Baie de Somme (80): important wetland area at the mouth of the river somme, famous for its wildlife ( bird sanctuary ). there is also a small steam railway popular with tourists. Péronne (80) : Historial de la Grande Guerre - Museum of the Great War. Trilingual displays, Samara (80) Between Abbeville and Amiens. Prehistoric living history museum on the site of a prehistoric settlement and Roman oppidum.

Reconstructed prehistoric dwellings, animations Aisne area Corbeny, near Laon (02): Caverne du Dragon - system of underground caves and workings used by troops on both sides in the First World War Guise (02): Le Familistère Godin. Like Titus Salt's Saltaire or Owen's New Lanark, Godin's cooperative Familistère is a major example of a social housing project set up by an enlightened manufacturer for his workers, during the Industrial Revolution. Laon (02): Attractive old walled city perched on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding plains. Fine early gothic cathedral (1150-1180) with remarkable stained-glass windows; there is a funicular railway from the train station up to the town hall. Soissons (02) Small town with gothic cathedral containing fine mediaeval stained-glass windows. Remains of the St jean des vignes Abbey. St. Quentin (02): small town famous for its gothic basilica, largely rebuilt after the first world war. Also famed for its ensemble of art-nouveau buildings, also put up during the post WW1 rebuilding.

The Musée Lécuyer has a major collection of works by the 18th century portraitist Quentin Latour. Thiérache (02): A large number of 16th century fortified churches grace small towns and villages in this rural area. Several signposted tourist trails. Oise area Beauvais (60): the tallest of the great gothic cathedrals that were built in mediaeval France. Planned as the greatest cathedral in France, Beauvais cathedral was never completed; but the part that was built (the choir and the transept) is extremely impressive. Chantilly (60): Magnificent chateau, rebuilt in the 19th century; the chateau houses a museum, and is set in fine gardens and parkland that includes a famous racecourse. Compiègne (60). The Clairière de l'Armistice; the site of the signing of the 1918 Armistice, that put an end to the first world war. Reproduction of the railway carriage in which the Armistice was signed. Compiègne (60). Chateau de Compiègne, fine 18th century royal residence.

Ermenonville (60): Mer de Sable. Wild-west theme park, with plenty of rides and attractions. Plailly (60): Parc Astérix. One of France's most visited theme parks, bringing to life the world of Asterix the Gaul and his friends. Le Crotoy, at the mouth of the Somme Photo Mikeones - *** ► Selected Picardy hotels Online booking at guaranteed rates from Hotels.com, Accor and other reputable hotels sites. About-France.com only lists hotels with good visitor reviews. St. Quentin (Aisne) Campanile hotel ** A convenient stop-off for travellers heading south (or back north) on the A26 motorway between Calais and Reims. Laon (Aisne) Hotel Campanile ** Modern two-star hotel located on the road betwen the A26 motorway exit and the historic walled city of Laon Albert (Somme) Hotel de la Basilique , ** Comfortable small hotel with well recommended restaurant, opposite the basilica. A handy base for exploring the battlefields of the Great War Amiens (Somme) Quality *** hotel in the centre of Amiens, opposite the cathedral. Ten minutes' walk from the station.

Air-con, bar, restaurant Picardy , lying between Paris and the Pas de Calais area, is a relatively unknown part of France, even for the French. While millions of tourists drive through Picardy each year, few stop to visit. Though it is a historic province of northern France, and though it has attractive countryside as well as historic towns and cities and is not far from Paris, from Belgium and from the UK, it is not one of the great tourist areas of France. Even so, there are plenty of places to visit in Picardy- from major historic sites including some of France's finest medieval cathedrals and the battlefields of the First World War, to fine châteaux and old towns ..... not forgetting the famous Asterix theme park near Chantilly. Chateau de Chantilly Amiens Property Information, Somme, France Partner advertising Amiens Property Insight Amiens is located in the north of France, between Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Paris . It belongs to the Somme department and to the Picardy region, and is the administrative centre of both of them.

With 135,100 inhabitants, called the Amiénois, the city is the 29th in the French ranking and the largest one of the region. Overview Amiens is a beautiful city full of history which especially stands out for one monument: its Gothic cathedral which is said to be the vastest in the world! Its past has been marked by many wars; indeed, many people tried to invade the city, such as the French Kingdom, England, Spain, etc. After having a special status of independent city, Amiens was finally annexed to France by Henry IV in 1597 after the Spanish invasion. During the 19th century the city developed and prospered thanks to its flourishing industries. Defensive ramparts were removed and replaced by large boulevards, the library and other cultural buildings were built. Amiens was badly affected by both WWI and WWII. It was indeed destroyed by 60% after WWII. As a result the city was renovated according to the town planner Pierre Dufau’s plans. The main idea was to create large avenues and hence to facilitate traffic. Today, Amiens is a lively and dynamic city.

Its population is young thanks to the University of Picardy, and owing to the label “country and city of art and history”, it attracts many tourists. You will appreciate the beauty of the city as much during day time, as night time, thanks to the beautiful work of illumination. Search for Amiens Property now! Amiens Immobilier & Property Market Trends In 2009 in France a house is sold €3,197/sq m on average. Given the fact that in Amiens a property is sold €2,383 /sq m, we can say that the city is fairly affordable. If we compare the city to its department, Somme (€2,472 /sq m) we realize that Amiens is cheaper than the departmental average. This can be surprising when we know that Amiens is the capital city of the region, and also the largest city; however it is also understandable as Somme gathers some very touristic places along its beautiful bays, where prices are rather high.

As regards the rental market, Amiens offers very good opportunities, as 61% of its residents are tenants, and as rental prices are rather high (€14.47 /sq m /month, while the national average is €12.20 /sq m /month). High demand and high prices are the two key factors to ensure a high return on investment. To get updated info about the property prices in Somme, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month. <p>Click here to have an overview of <a href="" title="Property Prices and Value in Picardie"><b>Picardie Property Prices</b></a>.</p> 6 Reasons to Buy a Property in Amiens Culture, art and historical heritage: in addition to its amazing architectural heritage (see below), Amiens is also an important cultural and art centre. as far as culture is concerned, many festivals are organized in the city: International Film festival, international jazz festival, comics festival, and of course the Amiens festival characterized by streets arts. Amiens also displays some interesting museums: Picardy museum, Jules Verne’s house, Contemporary art museum, etc. Not to mention many theatres and concert halls.

Tourism – sights: owing to its location and assets, Amiens is a very touristic place. People usually visit the Somme Bay and Amiens during the same trip. In the frame of the Art and History City, Amiens organizes some guided tours around the city, moreover you will find panels and explanations of the most important monuments everywhere in town. The most visited and interesting monuments are: the cathedral, the city centre, Jules Verne’s house, Perret Tower, Picardy Museum, and Saint-Lieu and Saint-Maurice quarters. Architectural style: Amiens architectural heritage is so rich that it would be endless to mention everything here. However, let’s have a quick look at what is on offer in this beautiful city. The main architectural style is the Gothic one and the best example is from far the Notre Dame d’Amiens cathedral. It is one of the most beautiful French cathedrals and also the largest Gothic cathedral in the world (200,000 cubic metre, twice as vast as Notre Dame de Paris)! The Beffroi is another incontrovertible monument in Amiens.

This kind of tower used to symbolize the independence of the city and houses a bell at the top which knolls every hour. Two other important monuments are the municipal circus and the Perret tower. But Amiens also stands out for the diversity of its architecture. Indeed, all kinds of style are present in the city, from Gothic to medieval, including Renaissance, Antiquity and Modern architecture. Architecture and History lovers will definitely be under the charm of the city. Cosmopolitan life: as already mentioned, Amiens population is young owing to its universities. It is indeed the largest university centre of the region. Having universities in a city brings many positive aspects; in addition to bring young population to the city, it also brings high demand in dwellings, demand in activities, in shops and in night events. If you like cosmopolitan and buzzing life then Amiens is for you. Parks and gardens: Amiens is also a flowered city, with 3 flowers (out of 4) awarded at the Flowered towns and villages. It gathers many parks and gardens, such as: Saint-Pierre Park (which was awarded the Landscape Prize in 2005), Plants garden, Clos Alexandre, archaeological garden, etc.

Near the city centre there are also some laid out marsh where you can relax on a craft or have a little walk within the garden. Location – transport links: Amiens has a strategic location, between Paris, Lille and Bruxelles. In addition to attract tourists who are visiting the whole area, it has also enabled the city to develop its infrastructures, above all a far as transport is concerned. Two motorways arrive in Amiens, the A16 and A29, as well as many national roads (1, 25, 29, 35). There are also two railway stations linking Amiens to Paris and the other large French cities. Property Styles and Architecture in Amiens Amiénoise houses: this is the traditional house of Amiens suburbs. It is made in bricks and is two storey high. On the ground floor there is only one window while on the first floor there are two double windows. This house is very narrow but very deep and comes with a small piece of garden. Half-timbered houses: in the lower part of the city, half timbered houses are the dominant style. However, they are often a mix between stone houses and timber frame.

Especially big mansions would mainly use stone, with a timber structure to decorate the facade. Click here for more info about the Architecture in Picardie . Search for Amiens Property now! Take a closer look at the Somme property market: Picardy Travel Guide - France - Eupedia Picardy Travel Guide Traditional house in Picardy. Introduction Picardy (Picardie in French) is the region that spreads north of Paris until the Somme River, delineated by Normandy to the west and Champagne to the east. It is a perfectly average French region in term of population (1.9 million) and land area (19,399 kmï¿½ / 7,490 sq mi). Picard, an Oï¿½l language closely related to French, is the traditional language of Picardy, as well as of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and the western edge of Wallonia . There are still at least half a million native speakers of Picard (mostly among older generations), representing approximately 10% of the population. The name Picardy is thought to have originated from a Frankish tribe of pike-bearers (picards).

The term does not appear until the early 13th century though, and was then applied to all the territory where the Picard language was spoken, and occasionally also Walloon. Picard became a generic term for northern French people who did not speak Flemish. Famous people from Picardy include (chronologically): the Protestant reformator Jean Calvin, the fabulist Jean de La Fontaine, the dramatist Jean Racine, the philosopher and mathematician Nicolas, marquis de Condorcet, the naturalist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck, and the writer Alexandre Dumas. History In 486, the Frankish forces under Clovis I defeated the last Gallo-Roman stronghold north of the Loire at the Battle of Soissons, thus laying the foundations of the Kingdom of France (=> see Frankish History ). From the 7th century, the County of Vermandois, making up the largest part of modern Picardy, was typically bequeathed to the sons of Frankish rulers (including Charles Martel and Charlemagne), then of French Kings. It was definitively added to the royal domain by Philip II Augustus in 1185.

Located near the new Frankish seat of power in Paris, Picardy thrived during the Middle Ages. The 11th and 12th centuries were golden ages for Soissons and Laon, which were endowed with some of the greatest Romanesque edifices in the country. The world's second and third Gothic cathedrals were built respectively in Noyon and Senlis in the early 1100's. They were followed in the next century by the great cathedrals of Amiens, the tallest complete cathedral in France and second largest in the world in volume, and Beauvais, which boasts the highest and tallest Gothic choir ever built. In the 16th century, the French Protestant leader, Louis de Bourbon (1530ï¿½1569), inherited the Chï¿½teau de Condï¿½. For the next three hundred years, his descendants, the influential Princes of Condï¿½, would reside in Picardy and erect one of France's most splendid castles, the Chï¿½teau de Chantilly. It now houses the Musï¿½e Condï¿½, one of the finest art galleries in the country.

After several centuries of relative stagnation, Picardy was once again in the spotlight during the Second French Empire, when Napoleon III made of Compiï¿½gne his favourite residence, and one of Europe's great palaces. The emperor also commissioned architect Viollet-le-Duc to restore the medieval castle of Pierrefonds in the Romantic style - a proud rival of Bavaria's Romantic castles. The western front of World War I was fought by by British, French, and German forces in the fields of northern Picardy, notably at the infamous Battle of the Somme. 4 million soldiers and 300,000 French civilians died in northern France, most of them in Picardy or in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The region was so devastated that it hasn't completed recovered today, nearly a century after the tragic events. Nowadays Picardy remains the poorest region of France (excluding the overseas departments and territories) in terms of GDP per capita. The battlefields and cemeteries of the Somme have become a sort of pilgrimage to the meaningless slaughter and atrocities of war.

The main war memorials are the Thiepval Memorial (between Amiens and Arras ), honouring British and South African soldiers, the Ulster Memorial Tower in Thiepval, the Somme American Cemetery in Bony (between Saint-Quentin and Cambrai ), the Australian National Memorial in Villersï¿½Bretonneux (15 km east of Amiens), the Australian Corps Memorial Park in Le Hamel (between Amiens and Pï¿½ronne), the New Zealand National Memorial in Longueval (15 km north of Pï¿½ronne), the South African National Memorial in Delville Wood (near Longueval), and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial (between Amiens and Arras). Visitors can learn about the history and context of WWI at the Historial de la Grande Guerre in Pï¿½ronne . Attractions Amiens | France | Britannica.com Amiens list of cities and towns in France Amiens, city, capital of Somme département, Picardie région, principal city and ancient capital of Picardy, northern France , in the Somme River valley, north of Paris .

Famed since the European Middle Ages are its textile industry and its great Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame , one of the finest in France. Known as Samarobriva in pre-Roman times and capital of the Ambiani (whence the modern name), Amiens became a Roman city, Christianized in the 4th century by St. Firmin, its first bishop . Its territory became the medieval countship of Amiénois, and its citizens profited from rivalry between bishop and count to gain a charter early in the 12th century. The Peace of Amiens (1802) marked a short pause in the Napoleonic Wars. In 1914, after a brief incursion into the city, the invading Germans dug in 18 miles (29 km) east; their final drive in 1918 was stopped 8 miles (13 km) from the city. In World War II , Amiens was occupied by the Germans. After serious damage in both wars, the city centre was rebuilt. A street in Amiens, France.

© Paenen Gert/Shutterstock.com The old part of Amiens, including the reconstructed 17th-century city hall, the 15th-century Church of Saint-Germain, and the ancient theatre with the Louis XVI facade, is latticed with seven branches of the river. The cathedral was begun in 1220 on the plans of Robert de Luzarches and was finished about 50 years later (there were subsequent additions). Its galleried and rose-windowed facade, pierced by three portals and topped by twin towers, is splendid. It has a remarkable interior with a soaring nave and bold supporting columns, employing the logic of Romanesque while imposing the open and dramatic qualities of Gothic. Amiens Cathedral, France. Region Guide to Picardie, France Description Picardie boasts some of the most beautiful countryside in Northern France, with 70 km of unspoilt coast, gentle waterways, magnificent forests and woodlands and the mellow charm of the Southern Champagne slopes. Picardie, a “land of Lords and Kings”, was the centre of the early Frankish kingdoms, with Soissons as the first capital.

The many fortifications, chateaux and cathedrals to be found throughout the region, are testament to the regal, political, and cultural significance of Picardie throughout France’s history. Today, Picardie’s location, as a nexus between Paris, London and Brussels, places it at the centre of European economic activity, whilst traditional industries and Picardie’s strong agricultural sector continue to thrive. The villages and towns demonstrate a close sense of community with local festivals, markets, sporting competitions, and fairs throughout and many towns are renowned for a particular craft that is traditional to the local area. Amiens, the regional capital is located in the Somme department. Amiens Cathedral, the tallest of the 13th Century Gothic churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is just one of the impressive examples of Gothic architecture to be found in the region. The Hortillonnages, a vast area of gardens and trees interlaced with narrow canals, forms one of the city’s most unusual and charming attractions, where locally grown produce is still sold from boats navigating the canals.

Picardie’s other major towns are Beauvais, to the south west of the region in the Oise department and Soissons, Laon and St-Quentin in Aisne. To the north of the region, marshes and ponds provide a haven for migrating birds and the Ornithological park at Marquenterre covers 250 hectares of marshlands, forests and dunes at the mouth of the Somme River. Picardie’s coastline is unspoilt by excessive development and the dunes that extend from the bay of Authie to the mouth of the Somme form the largest dune area in northern France. Striking chalk cliffs lie to the west of the region’s coastline. Inland, the forests that cover much of the Oise, form one of the largest areas of woodland in Europe and the ore-rich soils of Aisne make it ideal for agriculture. Average Max and Min Temperatures Average Rainfall Picardie’s climate is similar to that of southern England and other regions of northern France. The winters are somewhat cold and damp and while the summers can be a little damp at times, there are also plenty of bright, blue skies with temperatures in the mid-20s°C.

Summers are cooler and a bit shorter than in the south of France, but the light found in this region has inspired many 20th Century artists and has a charm that is particular to Picardie. Culture Picardie’s landscapes, history and architecture have long inspired artists and writers. The dappled light of the Somme estuary attracted Sisley, Degas and Seurat and it was here that Jules Verne wrote Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea. Picardie’s artistic tradition continues to this day with arts and crafts playing an important role in regional culture: Beauvais is famous for tapestry, Amiens for velvet, Saint-Quentin for embroidery, Blagny-sur-Mer for glassware, while ceramics, pottery and silver-ware which are produced throughout the region can be found at the local markets in nearly every town and village. A number of festivals keep cultural traditions alive throughout the year: the annual festival of Picard furniture proudly displays the fine work of local pailleuses (straw-weavers), music festivals of both classical and contemporary music are held in scenic locations throughout the region.

There are festivals of film and theatre at Amiens and Beauvais and the annual Rèderie dAmiens flea market, which takes place twice a year has become a spectacle in itself. Archery has been popular in Picardie since the Middle Ages and is celebrated with an archery festival held every spring. The regional love of horse-riding is clearly apparent and Chantilly is the thoroughbred capital of France with over 200 of the country’s finest horses stabled at the Grandes Ecuries. In addition, Picardie also boasts some of the finest golf courses in France. For pure entertainment, the puppet theatre Chès Cabotans dAmiens keeps Picardie’s puppetry tradition alive and well and the Cirque Jules Verne circus is a permanent fixture in Amiens. Finally, Picardie is home to an extraordinary number of historic monuments, abbeys, churches and the region’s cultural and historic legacy can be admired in the Royal Chateaux, the 16th Century fortified churches of Thiérache, Picardie’s gothic cathedrals and in the historic civic buildings of the region’s towns and villages.

History of Picardie Picardie was at the centre of both Merongovian and Carolingian France and it is often claimed that France was born in Picardie: Clovis made Soissons the first capital of the Frankish kingdom in 486, and both the Emperor Charlemagne and Hugh Capet, founder of the Capetian dynasty were crowned at Noyons Cathedral in 768 and 987 respectively. The modern administrative region of Picardie is approximately twice as large as the former province: historically, the southern part of Aisne and most of Oise belonged to Île-de-France and to this day much of Oise falls within the metropolitan area of Paris. The name Picardie is thought to be derived from the french pique, the long thrusting spear for which the Picards aggressive and accurate mastery was notorious during the Middle Ages, when the feudal domains of Amiénois (now the department of Somme) Vermandois (now the north of the department of Aisne) and Ponthieu were persistently contested.

In 1435 Picardie was ceded to the Burgundy Dukes and ceased to exist as a province until reclaimed by Louis XI in 1477. The fortified Picard towns of Amiens, Abbeville, Corbie, Montdidier, Péronne, and Roye subsequently made up the northern border of France until 1659, when the former province of Artois was incorporated into the Kingdom of France. Gothic Architecture originated in France during the 12th Century, and Picardie is often referred to as the cradle of Gothic architecture: the region proudly boasts the magnificent cathedrals of Amiens (a UNESCO listed site), Beauvais, Laon, Senlis, Noyon and Soissons, as well as numerous churches and abbeys, many of which survive intact thanks to protective outer walls that were built during times of political instability. Joan of Arc was captured in Oise in 1430 and sold to the English by Bourguignon soldiers. She was held prisoner in Picardie whilst awaiting her trial in Rouen.

In recent history, Picardie is remembered for the harrowing Battle of the Somme in which so many lost their lives during the First World War. The battle, which took place between July and November 1916 is one of the bloodiest military operations to be recorded and was, in part, an attempt to draw German forces away from the Battle of Verdun. By November 1916 more than one and a half million lives had been lost on the plains and the trenches of the Somme. The Battle of the Somme is etched into the British consciousness, as an horrific icon of the horrors of War, in the same way that the Battle of Verdun is etched into the French consciousness. Memorials throughout the region honour those who fought so bravely, and bear sombre testament to this chapter of Picardie’s history. The Armistice ending the First World War was signed at Rethondes, in the forest of Compèigne, on November 11th 1918 and the Franco-German Armistice of 1941 took place at the same place.

Economy With Paris, London and Brussels, a mere hour away, Picardie’s location places it at the centre of European economic activity and an increasing number of international companies are choosing to locate their businesses here, particularly those in the logistics and telecommunications sectors. Picardie has two globally recognised competitive clusters: the I-TRANS cluster, which is dedicated to the design, construction and maintenance of railway systems and the Industries and Agro-resources cluster that is dedicated to innovative and competitive development within the Agro-foods industry. Industrial Sectors Industry in Picardie is dominated by the mechanical engineering, plastics and agro-foods sectors. Picardie’s high-performing agricultural sector has led to a thriving agro-foods industry and the region is the nation’s foremost producer of, frozen and canned vegetables, ready meals, sugar and potato starch. Large groups such as Bonduelle, Findus, Herta, Saint Louis Sucre, McCain and Nestlé are all located here. The agro-foods sector accounts for 15% of Picardie’s industrial employment. Mechanical engineering makes up nearly half of regional industrial employment.

The industry has evolved and developed through collaboration between Picardie’s research groups and industrial companies to make Picardie a leading region both nationally and internationally. The processing and manufacture of plastics, rubber, composites and moulds provides a diverse range of professions throughout the region and Picardie ranks 5th nationally in this sector. The Cosmetics and Perfumes industry is another leading sector and Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Givenchy, LOreal and Bourjois are all present with the region. Glass production, a traditional Picard craft industry continues throughout the region and the glass factory at Saint-Gobain specialises in the production of perfume bottles. Other traditional crafts such as metalworking (cast-iron from Fresnoy-le-Grande and silverwork from Amiens), textiles (tapestry in Beauvais, velvet in Amiens and embroidery work in Saint-Quentin) and glassware (from Blangny-sur-Bresle and stained glass from Amiens) continue to thrive and are important to the region both economically and as part of Picardie’s cultural heritage.

Low-tide on the Somme, Picardie Agriculture Picardie’s ore-rich soil and climate make it particularly suitable for growing crops and the region is France’s leading producer of sugar beet and peas and the second largest producer of wheat, potatoes and endives. Intensive vegetable cultivation takes place along the fertile plain of the Somme River Valley and Picardie’s market gardens are beautifully kept, high-yielding plots of land linked and irrigated by a network of narrow canals. The most unusual of these marsh allotments are found near Amiens and are known as hortillonages. They are navigated by flat-bottomed boats and once provided all of the cities vegetables. Mixed farming is practised throughout the region, and whilst crops make up the majority of Picardie’s agricultural yield, the region is also well known for its dairy and beef cattle. Cuisine Picard cuisine, though perhaps not as distinctive as in other the regions of France, is blessed with a wealth of local produce: namely vegetables, fresh-water fish, salt-marsh lamb, and fine dairy products.

Dishes that are particular to the region include duck pâté from Amiens, ficelle picarde (pancakes with ham and mushrooms), flamiches (leek tart), pork rinds, salt marshes lamb, Tarte au Maroilles (made with local cheese), rissoles (fish or meat patés), caghuse (ham hock roasted with butter and onions) and shellfish and fish from the Somme Bay, including cockles, prawns, sole and eels. Frogs legs and tripe are also liable to crop up on local menus. Chantilly cream (sweetened whipped cream often flavoured with vanilla) is probably Picardie’s most famous speciality, but other sweets include gâtea battu (brioche), macaroons, and Confiture de lait, a thick sweet caramel sauce made with cream and sugar. The local tipple is cider, but Champagne is produced in Aisne.

The gothic facade of Le Crotoy beachfront, Picardie France.com Northern France - France.com Northern France is comprised of 2 official regions: Nord-Pas de Calais Standing as the northernmost region of France, Nord-Pas de Calais is bordered by the English Channel and the North Sea to the north and Belgium to the northeast. This is a region whose lands are fertile for agriculture and whose coast is lined with sandy beaches and whose inland is home to soft countryside. There are a few main destinations to stop by if you decide to visit this region — one of them would be Lille. A place that first thrived and gained recognition in the 19th century, Lille developed a significant textile, mining, cotton and transportation industries, and has strong roots in the “Flanders” culture. As with many other French cities, Lille was first inhabited by the Gauls, and later was conquered by the Vikings, and saw the beginnings of its identity as the “cloth industry” heartland during the Middle Ages.

There are many must-see sites to visit in Lille, among them the city cathedral; the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, a museum constructed under Napoleon and which stands today as the largest museum outside of Paris; and plenty of botanical gardens, parks as well as beautiful public squares. Equally intriguing is the city of Roubaix, located right next to Lille, a city known for its art history, culture and architecture, and one also once situated in the country’s textile heartland. If you’re in the mood for visiting the seaside, head to Côte d’Opale, or the “opal coast,” known for its magnificent cliffs and dunes. Picardie Here is a region that has developed an incredibly rich cultural history over the centuries — Picardy, or Picardie, as the French spell it, is a place where many medieval battles were fought, including the battle of Crécy, one of the most memorable battles of the Hundred Years’ War; as well as where many ruling dynasties have come to pass, including the Hapsburgs and English and Spanish rulers.

If you are interested in touring a majestic old, medieval city and its glorious remains, go to Amiens, in the north of the region, in the department of Somme. First inhabited by the Gauls, Amiens was besieged time and again by different peoples, including barbarian tribes and later by the Normans. It is perhaps most famous for being the site of the Cathedral of Amiens, which stands today as the tallest Gothic-styled cathedral in France. Also visit the Municipal Circus, which is one of the oldest remaining original circuses of the world today. Aside from the circus, there are other famous theaters in Amiens, as well as museums. For those who are planning to visit this region during the winter months, there will be a marvelous Christmas market in this city, which is famous for being the largest of its kind in northern France. Other great places to visit in Picardy are Beauvais, home of an extremely tall and impressive cathedral; Laon, for those who are interested in seeing medieval walled cities and early cathedrals; and Chantilly, home to beautiful 19th-century castles and palaces of the nobility.

Events International Kite Festival at Berck-sur-Mer April 12-21 People all over the world love flying kites and wherever there’s wind, there’s always someone who wants to play with it and master it. But to really understand wind power, you need to visit the International Kite Festival organized in Berck-sur-Mer every April in front of some 600,000 spectators. Eyes fixed on the sky, young and old are kept spellbound by the dexterity and imagination of kite flyers from all corners of the globe. Le Jardin des Boves in Arras March 22 to July 1 For three months between March and June, the old chalk quarries beneath the famous arcaded square in Arras are transformed into the ‘Jardin des Boves’, named after the local word for these ancient tunnels. Launched ten years ago to promote interest in this historic underground maze, the event welcomes some 20,000 visitors who enjoy the unique opportunity to wander through a world of fantasy and fun, guaranteed to fire their imagination.

Lille Braderie (Lille Flea Market) September 6-7 More than 2 million visitors from all over Europe flock to Lille for the annual street market over the first weekend in September. Each year over the first weekend in September, the capital of French Flanders is packed with up to 3 million visitors as local residents and shopkeepers empty their attics for the 33 hours of the famous Lille Braderie or street market. The event dates back to the 12th century when servants were allowed to sell off their employers’ unwanted goods and keep the proceeds as part of the Assumption festival, the name Braderie coming from the Flemish and Spanish words for ‘bargain’. La Fête Jeanne d’Arc June The Picardy summer season kicks off with the Joan of Arc Festival. The festival takes place in the town of Compiègne and re-enacts Joan of Arc’s last visit the area before she was captured in 1430. A local woman plays Joan of Arc and attends a church mass in character before leading a procession through the town. At the end of the procession, the crowds head to the bridge where the real Joan of Arc was captured.

La Fête des Roses June This one-day festival of roses takes place in June in the town of Gerberoy. Widely believed to be one of the most beautiful towns in the whole country, Gerberoy is full of roses at this time of year and looks prettier than ever. The historical medieval part of the town is a wonderful spot for sightseeing and taking photographs. As well as numerous displays of roses, the festival also features street entertainment with folk dancing and singing. Food, drink and souvenir stalls pop up all over the town making this a great day out for the whole family. Foire aux Fromages September A festival for food-lovers, this huge celebration of cheese takes place each September. Hosted by the town of La Capelle; the fair features literally thousands of different types of cheese. Cheese producers come from all over the country to share their wares and take part in competitions. If you’re staying in one of the gites in Picardy, this is a great way to stock up your fridge with some of the finest French cheeses. As well as old favourites, expect to find lots of new twists on classic cheeses.

France.com Blog Amiens AMIENS region: Picardie AMIENS: the capital of picardy Amiens is renowned for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, the largest in France, and, inevitably, a World Heritage Site. Attention, understandably, focuses on the cathedral and its precincts. But north of the cathedral, the Place du Don is a delightful cobbled street with 16th-century houses. Pavement tables identify those that have bars and cafés; others sell antiques, and one is a tiny shop where the traditional Amiens puppets, the Cabotans are made. In the Puppet Theatre , these roguish marionettes, led by a Punch-like character, Lafleur, take a cheeky dig at society in the old language of Picardie. Keep an eye open for announcements about their performances; you don't have to understand all the language to come away with sides aching from laughter. Quai Bélu: the Saint-Leu district with colourful, half-timbered small houses is a lively place with many cafés, restaurants and bars. © ATOUT FRANCE/CRT Picardie/Sam Bellet Saint-Leu district.

© ATOUT FRANCE/CRT Picardie/Didier Raux Nightime is not the best time to explore the canalside quarter of St Leu, the old weavers' and dyers' district, but it is certainly the time to be here for the spectacle of café and restaurant lights reflected in the Somme, for the buzz and for some of the best, and least expensive, food in town. During the day, St Leu is formidable, a beautiful display of colourful stucco, half-timbered and brick façades, endlessly varied and attractive. Oddly, but lovably bizarre. Not so far away, just along the Boulevard de Beauvillé, you can tour the Hortillonages, a fascinating 50km labyrinth of marshland canals that embrace hundreds of smallholdings where, less than a century ago, thousands of people lived and worked. Inevitably, all this sitting in a punt, watching birds and fresh air is working up a huge appetite; time for ficelles Picardes (pancakes filled with ham, mushrooms and white sauce).

Thankfully, St Leu is only a few minutes away; Jules Verne commented prophetically 'Amiens in 2000, an ideal town'. How right he was. Jules Verne lived in Amiens for a time, from 1882 to 1900. The house, at 2, rue Charles-Dubois, where he lived was completely renovated in 2006, and today is one of the finest writers' houses open to the public in Europe. From the ground floor to the attic, the house evokes the personality, inspirations and memories of Jules Verne. Here, you find the authentic atmosphere of a private hotel with its furniture of the 19th century. West front of Notre-Dame cathedral. © ATOUT FRANCE/CRT Picardie/Sam Bellet

Question: Which city, home to the tallest and largest Gothic cathedral in France is the capital of Picardy region and the Somme department?
Answer: Amiens